Forum Discussion

Blazing_Zippers's avatar
Blazing_Zippers
Explorer II
Oct 16, 2016

Fifth wheel safety chains?

I purchased an Anderson fifth wheel hitch system that has a large ball that connects to an adaptor on the trailer king pin. There are several systems coming out that are similar in design.
A friend just bought a new fifth wheel trailer with the same hitch system, but it came with two large safety chains that looped through the tripod on the truck assembly. These chains were part of the hitch system and not included with the trailer. IMHO, the connecting pieces holding the chains don't look very strong, and would fail if the trailer actually became disconnected.
Now, when one connects a pull behind trailer to a vehicle (using a regular ball hitch) there are safety chains connected between the two units.
My question is: Would a safety chain be required by law when employing an Anderson type hitch?

30 Replies

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  • Searching_Ut's avatar
    Searching_Ut
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2016
    Second Chance wrote:
    sfpcservice wrote:
    It sounds like you are describing a gooseneck adapter because of the ball. Goosenecks require chains as far as I know, 5ers dont.


    The Andersen IS NOT a gooseneck adapter. The ball is at the level of the pin box - not in the bed of the truck.

    Rob


    It's a ball hitch. Gooseneck style as far as local DMV is concerned. As for trusting Andersen, after their lack of response regarding the damage their hitch adapter caused to my fifth wheel, I not only no longer have faith in the hitch I now don't trust the company. Good luck should something go wrong and you end up in court. Using "Andersen said" probably won't cut it. Check with your local authorities and get an answer from those that will be the decision makers.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Oct 16, 2016
    minnow wrote:
    According to Andersen Hitches, the overwhelming majority of the states do not require the chains. California, Texas and Indiana are the only 3 that do. They also stated that the Ultimate Hitch was tested and certified as a Fifth Wheel Hitch and not a ball mount hitch.


    My last reading of AZ Revised Statutes, last year, did not distinguish between a FW and a ball hitch and a "modified ball" hitch, as the Andersen is. If there's a ball coupler of any sort, you must have safety chains. Now, if Andersen will guarantee that they'll pay any ticket or the cost of driving school, and reimburse the owner for any increase in insurance... Yep, didn't think so.

    Lyle
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Oct 16, 2016
    minnow wrote:
    According to Andersen Hitches, the overwhelming majority of the states do not require the chains. California, Texas and Indiana are the only 3 that do. They also stated that the Ultimate Hitch was tested and certified as a Fifth Wheel Hitch and not a ball mount hitch.


    This is the correct response. We use safety chains because we are domiciled in Texas and I don't want to worry about getting hassled.

    Rob
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Oct 16, 2016
    sfpcservice wrote:
    It sounds like you are describing a gooseneck adapter because of the ball. Goosenecks require chains as far as I know, 5ers dont.


    The Andersen IS NOT a gooseneck adapter. The ball is at the level of the pin box - not in the bed of the truck.

    Rob
  • Searching_Ut's avatar
    Searching_Ut
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2016
    I did what research I could when I had an Andersen ultimate and the general consensus from my local DMV was that the Andersen hitch was in fact a gooseneck as far as safety chains. I purchased a chain set from Andersen but to be honest I doubt the attachment rings would have held up had they ever been needed. I assumed they would have kept me legal though.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Oct 16, 2016
    Close to 37 states require safety chains for ball style notices, no state requires safety chains for pin (5th Wheel) style. Andersen is ball style, so is a Goose Neck, and the Curt extra light hitch similar to the Andersen.
  • Diesel_Camper's avatar
    Diesel_Camper
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2016
    It sounds like you are describing a gooseneck adapter because of the ball. Goosenecks require chains as far as I know, 5ers dont.
  • minnow's avatar
    minnow
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2016
    According to Andersen Hitches, the overwhelming majority of the states do not require the chains. California, Texas and Indiana are the only 3 that do. They also stated that the Ultimate Hitch was tested and certified as a Fifth Wheel Hitch and not a ball mount hitch.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2016
    Michigan motor vehicle code requires two sets of safety chains, four total for any trailer. It does not grant any exceptions for hitch brand.

    I've never seen four chains in use, only ever two. I asked a trooper about it, he didn't know either.

    Most states use the same laws, based on federal guidelines, etc... Likely Idaho has a similar code as Michigan.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Oct 16, 2016
    I think you will find that many (most?) states require chains on a ball type trailer hitch.

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